Electrical SiAlONs

Five aspects of the preparation of solids can be distinguished (i) preparation of a series of compounds in order to investigate a specific property, as exemplified by a series of perovskite oxides to examine their electrical properties or by a series of spinel ferrites to screen their magnetic properties (ii) preparation of unknown members of a structurally related class of solids to extend (or extrapolate) structure-property relations, as exemplified by the synthesis of layered chalcogenides and their intercalates or derivatives of TTF-TCNQ to study their superconductivity (iii) synthesis of a new class of compounds (e.g. sialons, (Si, Al)3(0, N)4, or doped polyacetylenes), with novel structural properties (iv) preparation of known solids of prescribed specifications (crystallinity, shape, purity, etc.) as in the case of crystals of Si, III-V compounds and... 

Ceramic Cutting Tools, Fig. 3 Structure of (a) 100 % P-Sialon, (b) a/P Sialon, (c) 100 % a Sialon, and (d) Sialon with electrical conductivity (Sialon-SiC-TiN composite)... 

The potential appHcations of Si2N20 include roles as a high-temperature electric insulator [119,120], as anudear-reactor moderator or reflector [121], and as materials for dectrolytes [122]. O -SiAlON has the potential for similar engineering appUcations. 

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